Southern California Coastal & Inland Valleys

October, 2004
Regional Report

Shows & Events

Perennial and Native Plant Sale
If you haven't been to the University of California Irvine Arboretum for a couple of years, now's the time to return. The perennial sale (October 16, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., $2) and native plant sale (October 23, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., free entry) are the excuses to add new gems -- especially drought-tolerant bloomers -- to your garden. Be sure to walk the paths and admire the succulents and cacti, as well as the dendrobiums and other tender plants in the shade houses. The entrance is off Campus Drive, just south of Jamboree Road. For more information, call (949) 824-5833.

Clever Gardening Technique

Change Watering Schedule
Help overwintering plants harden off by changing your irrigation schedule. Cooler weather slows evaporation from the soil and transpiration from plant foliage, so plants need less water. Decrease the number of times -- but not the length of time -- you water. For example, water once every three weeks instead of once a week, but still water for half an hour each time. This change will still provide water to deep roots while allowing the soil to dry in between waterings, and it won't encourage new, frost-tender growth.